This is obviously trying to get modders to make more content since the FO4 and SSE mod scene has been so stagnant. Problem is, its not lack of motivation but lack of tools since the extenders take so long to release.

I buy Bethesda games for the sandbox the game and mods do. It has added value. I know that even if a Bethesda game turns out to be shit, the modders will always make something to make me come back.

I got bored of Oblivion and turned it into a survival horror game with zombies everywhere using the 28 days later mod. It kept me entertained for many years.

In Skyrim, I turned it into a Dark Souls esque survival game. Same thing.

If I have to pay for stuff like that, Bethesda's extra value no longer exists.

Since Bethesda is going deeper and deeper into pure dungeon delving with little actual questing and HUGE amounts of grind, mods are necessary to relieve the monotony of fighting the same 5 creatures over and over again using the same archaic combat it had since 2006.

Especially if Bethesda is just using this as a cheap cash grab so that they cut a cut from monetizing the mod marketplace for something they never made in the first place. Effectively turning modders into microtransaction makers who work for free.